December 17 “Let the Dogs Bark…” Matthew 5:11-12
ANNOUNCEMENT: Baptist Tabernacle Church will be 100 years old, in 2022. A grand celebration is planned for May 22, 2022, to commemorate the first service as an organized church body! Special information, recognitions, God’s Word, and a catered meal will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
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***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
In recent days, it has become obvious that the “Devotional” ministry is making some difference in the battle between “right and wrong!” I have been receiving various reactions to the on-going message of Hope and Peace, and the pathway to achieve these elusive goals. We are told, in the Holy Scriptures, that the World “hates” the Believer, and Satan WILL do everything possible to thwart the bold message of Hope and Peace that is available through the Selfless Act of Love, by Jesus Christ, on the Cross of Calvary! Criticisms, complaints, disagreements about the Word of God, and its power to transform mankind, is a “Heart” problem. Jesus told us that we would receive the “hatred” and “persecution” from an unbelieving humanity, but to keep serving, keep preaching, keep believing and Never, Ever Stop! Dear friends, we have a mission, and that mission is clear! We must be about the Father’s Business, to share the Good News and to bring “Light” into this “Dark and Evil” world. We face opposition from every side, and we will face challenges that will seem overwhelming, yet we are promised victory in this struggle! My daddy used to tell a story about the Medieval times, when caravans of minstrels and merchants would travel from village to village, offering entertainment and merchandise to the weary folk of the towns. These old wagons were loaded down will supplies and pots and pans and, most of the time, these items were strapped to the sides of the wagon, and as they made their way through the towns and villages, they made a lot of noise. This noise brought out every dog along the way. The caravans would move slowly through an area and the dogs would be barking and yelping and biting at the wagon wheels and doing everything possible to stop the noise of the wagons. Guess what? The wagons kept moving, regardless of the dogs! Here is the message for the Believer as we share God’s Good News… THE DOGS BARK, BUT THIS CARAVAN IS MOVING ON!! Let the “dogs” of disagreement and criticism and persecution bark, but for me, I WILL continue to Praise God, Claim His Power and Promises, and I WILL keep on PREACHING HIS WORD, until the day that He calls me Home or “Raptures” me to Him! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!